“Rule 158: Homosexuals are advised and requested not to enlist in ships of the following types, P108, P112, M394 and M401. Any homosexuals who do so will be subject to transfer in the event that they cause a dangerous tension aboard their ship. The question of “dangerous tension” shall be decided by the Captain or the Chief Medical Officer, provided neither is personally involved in the case. Providing there is no infringement of another regulation the person so judged to be causing dangerous tension will be transferred without penalty to his/her rank, career, financial position or any other consideration. Any person not classified on official documents as homosexual, who feels that s/he is showing these tendencies should report to the medical officer immediately. Transfer will be arranged as soon as practicable if requested.”

Kumar looked at him in surprise. King had seemed to him one of the most well balanced men he had come across, hardly likely to be the cause of a “dangerous tension.” “What’s happened?”

“I’ve got into a relationship with someone I work with but it’s gone wrong. If I stay, it will cause a dangerous tension.”

“Could the other man involved simply be moved to another section?” Kumar was trying to look at alternatives. So far he had liked what he had seen of King’s leadership style and didn’t want him to leave the Revel unless there was no choice.

Danyel gave an involuntary snort. “Unfortunately not,” he answered dryly. “He’s not a private.” He left it at that, hoping Kumar would realise it was an officer but not which one. He could see Kumar running through the personnel files in his head, realising that there were no other identified oms amongst the officers.

“Oh,” he said, “I see. Well then, I’ll get the forms filled out for you. You’ll just need to take them to Captain Hayes and—”

He stopped in mid sentence as Danyel shook his head very slightly. Danyel dropped his eyes and made a point of brushing an infinitesimal piece of fluff from his sleeve, “I need you to do it.”

Kumar was sure his mouth was hanging open. He shut it. “I see,” he repeated faintly.

“How long do you think it will take?”

“It’s usually pretty quick but probably not quick enough, given the circumstances! Let me think a moment. I know, I’ll authorise a week’s medical leave for you on Capella; delayed concussion from the explosion or something, that should give us enough time to get this sorted out. If it’s all right with you, I’ll arrange for you to accompany the Beckers when they return to the station tomorrow.” He suddenly realised that might be a bit awkward, but Danyel was already nodding.

“That sounds excellent, Kumar. I really appreciate it. I’ll return to my cabin now, I think it will be best if I stay out of sight until I leave.”

Danyel left and Kumar set about organising the leave and the transfer. He still couldn’t believe it. If it had come from anyone except King...

~~~

The Captain turned away from Danyel’s door. There had been no answer when he flashed his ID, but he didn’t know if he really wasn’t there or if he just didn’t want to see him. It had eventually dawned on him that whatever he decided about his relationship with Danyel or his marriage, he needed to apologise to him immediately, explain that he didn’t just think of him as a sex object, that he hadn’t intended his words to come out the way they had.

Danyel King saw him just in time and stayed back out of sight. The last thing he wanted was another confrontation. He waited until the Captain had well and truly gone and then went quickly into his quarters. When he got to Capella, he would see if he could find his friend, Matthew Ferris.